After walking past The White Swan countless times, I finally decided to try it out on and what a great choice that was! We got there at 7, and the place wasn’t too busy, but wow, did it fill up fast! It's like everyone in Woodford knows this is the spot for amazing Chinese food. The vibe is bustling but in a good way. You could see it's popular by the constant stream of takeaway orders. But let's talk about the food - it's wonderful! We tried a bunch of dishes - crispy beef, scallops, noddles, and Szechuan chicken. Each one was a hit, especially the beef - so crispy and flavorful. The staff deserves a shoutout too. They were super friendly and attentive, even when the place was buzzing. I've read some reviews saying otherwise, but that wasn't our experience at all. They were top-notch! Yes, it got a bit noisy, but that's just because it's a popular spot. And hey, they have a 5-star hygiene rating, which is always reassuring. We're definitely going back, and it's not just for the dine-in experience. Their takeaway menu is just as great, and it's clear that's a big hit with the locals. Love seeing a local spot like this doing so well. So, if you're in Woodford and craving Chinese, The White Swan is the place to be. Awesome food, great service, and a lively atmosphere - what more could you ask for? A 5 out of 5 from me!
Vanessa M
Food nice. Service ok until the main waitress or owner not sure who she was decided to clean the table with her spray and cloth whist we were still sitting there finishing off our drinks. It was like you have eaten your food now get out. She didn’t like the fact that she was questioned about why she did what she did.
Bass Love
I found the customer service unacceptablebly very cold and starchy and in moments completely rude. There was one English speaking gentleman who welcomed me and took my order a very warm well spoken and customer focused. Unfortunately to say but I felt the women working their to me were racist as their treatment was extremely cold and icy... barely opening their mouths to o say goodbye. I'm spending money in your business you should be professional and courteous. Unfortunately this was missing & the reason my visit there was spoilt. Definitely not a warm environment to eat in...at beat.
Siobhan H
Food ok but couldn’t get us out quick enough, very below customer service- coats on behind the bar at 10 pm .. as a regular customer - just lost us
51JulieS51
This restaurant lacks atmosphere. The staff are rather sullen and just do their job. No pleasantries. The food was very tasty but quite small portion sizes. It could be a real gem if the staff smiled and made you feel welcome and they popped some background music on. I’d go back for the food as it was good.
Gary R
Staff pleasant food great. Went there as staff at another restaurant rude to us so went there. It was quiet and staff attentive.
MR Costing
Average place and the first lady serving was extremely rude. We request a change and then service experience was better. Food was average. Atmosphere casual
Scenic20931134484
My Mum and her two friends visited this restaurant last night for an early dinner. They were very disappointed saying that the waiting staff were surly and didn’t smile. No finger bowls or hot towels were given and when they asked they only got given one bowl of hot water to clean their hands rather then one each. The portions were small and served on flat plates rather than in traditional bowls. also chop sticks were not put on a holder as they used to be. This restaurant has unfortunately gone downhill since they last visited and they won’t be returning any time soon.
David Ashley
Another excellent meal. Great friendly service and good value.Good sized portions and no long waits either.Overall very good.
Terry Osman
It's not my local Chinese, but when I'm in the area visiting family, I do like to go to The White Swan and order a takeaway. The food is excellent and the staff are really friendly.
Arrived with the doorway blocked by the maintenance man - not a good start! Restaurant was fine but lacked a bit of atmosphere/ambience - rather cold and uninviting! Nice waitresses who were very helpful. Had a couple of Chinese beers to start followed by bottles of blush at a reasonable price Had the mixed starter which was okay apart from the ribs which were very dry and not very good - not like the photo at all. Main course included better ribs in sauce with crispy chilli beef and some more duck rolls - had the Cantonese duck breast which I wanted in beansprouts which seemed to be a problem? The duck breast wasnt like it usually comes? Overall not bad and not expensive but wasnt blown away!
H8643DHmichelleb
Very disappointing. Haven't been there for some time, used to be amazing but unfortunately this time very disappointing. The service was very poor like they really couldn't be bothered. Ordered our food and when the food came out, they brought something completely different to what I ordered. They then asked me if I was sure I hadn't ordered it. They reluctantly took it back. They eventually brought me the correct order. Food was very nice. We asked for the bill. When came to take the money, we paid by card, there was no apology just took the payment and then just walked away with no thank you. Very rude. Won't be returning
stu l
We travel from Southend to visit this fantastic Chinese Restaurant and have enjoyed our three family visits in the last two months. The food, service and ambiance is first class with large portions and a very varied menu, Service is attentive and Jen and her team provide excellent hospitality. The crispy duck alone is worth a visit and highly recommended and without doubt my favourite Chinese Restaurant
HenryIG
We booked for a family visit on Saturday night. They wanted us to pay a deposit when booking, which we wouldn't Great choices and big portions. We ended up ordering more food than we needed, so took leftovers home. The restaurant was full.
Mario A
Ashame to say my wife and I have only just started using theses. Food is great but we ordered a takeaway half of duck which when delivered was aquter I phoned them only to told cancel it then by a very rude young lady who I think was the manager ..also still owed £11.50. Or a duck. Disappointed b... back to Mr chans for us
After walking past The White Swan countless times, I finally decided to try it out on and what a great choice that was! We got there at 7, and the place wasn’t too busy, but wow, did it fill up fast! It's like everyone in Woodford knows this is the spot for amazing Chinese food. The vibe is bustling but in a good way. You could see it's popular by the constant stream of takeaway orders. But let's talk about the food - it's wonderful! We tried a bunch of dishes - crispy beef, scallops, noddles, and Szechuan chicken. Each one was a hit, especially the beef - so crispy and flavorful. The staff deserves a shoutout too. They were super friendly and attentive, even when the place was buzzing. I've read some reviews saying otherwise, but that wasn't our experience at all. They were top-notch! Yes, it got a bit noisy, but that's just because it's a popular spot. And hey, they have a 5-star hygiene rating, which is always reassuring. We're definitely going back, and it's not just for the dine-in experience. Their takeaway menu is just as great, and it's clear that's a big hit with the locals. Love seeing a local spot like this doing so well. So, if you're in Woodford and craving Chinese, The White Swan is the place to be. Awesome food, great service, and a lively atmosphere - what more could you ask for? A 5 out of 5 from me!
Food nice. Service ok until the main waitress or owner not sure who she was decided to clean the table with her spray and cloth whist we were still sitting there finishing off our drinks. It was like you have eaten your food now get out. She didn’t like the fact that she was questioned about why she did what she did.
I found the customer service unacceptablebly very cold and starchy and in moments completely rude. There was one English speaking gentleman who welcomed me and took my order a very warm well spoken and customer focused. Unfortunately to say but I felt the women working their to me were racist as their treatment was extremely cold and icy... barely opening their mouths to o say goodbye. I'm spending money in your business you should be professional and courteous. Unfortunately this was missing & the reason my visit there was spoilt. Definitely not a warm environment to eat in...at beat.
Food ok but couldn’t get us out quick enough, very below customer service- coats on behind the bar at 10 pm .. as a regular customer - just lost us
This restaurant lacks atmosphere. The staff are rather sullen and just do their job. No pleasantries. The food was very tasty but quite small portion sizes. It could be a real gem if the staff smiled and made you feel welcome and they popped some background music on. I’d go back for the food as it was good.
Staff pleasant food great. Went there as staff at another restaurant rude to us so went there. It was quiet and staff attentive.
Average place and the first lady serving was extremely rude. We request a change and then service experience was better. Food was average. Atmosphere casual
My Mum and her two friends visited this restaurant last night for an early dinner. They were very disappointed saying that the waiting staff were surly and didn’t smile. No finger bowls or hot towels were given and when they asked they only got given one bowl of hot water to clean their hands rather then one each. The portions were small and served on flat plates rather than in traditional bowls. also chop sticks were not put on a holder as they used to be. This restaurant has unfortunately gone downhill since they last visited and they won’t be returning any time soon.
Another excellent meal. Great friendly service and good value.Good sized portions and no long waits either.Overall very good.
It's not my local Chinese, but when I'm in the area visiting family, I do like to go to The White Swan and order a takeaway. The food is excellent and the staff are really friendly.
Restaurantji Recommends
Arrived with the doorway blocked by the maintenance man - not a good start! Restaurant was fine but lacked a bit of atmosphere/ambience - rather cold and uninviting! Nice waitresses who were very helpful. Had a couple of Chinese beers to start followed by bottles of blush at a reasonable price Had the mixed starter which was okay apart from the ribs which were very dry and not very good - not like the photo at all. Main course included better ribs in sauce with crispy chilli beef and some more duck rolls - had the Cantonese duck breast which I wanted in beansprouts which seemed to be a problem? The duck breast wasnt like it usually comes? Overall not bad and not expensive but wasnt blown away!
Very disappointing. Haven't been there for some time, used to be amazing but unfortunately this time very disappointing. The service was very poor like they really couldn't be bothered. Ordered our food and when the food came out, they brought something completely different to what I ordered. They then asked me if I was sure I hadn't ordered it. They reluctantly took it back. They eventually brought me the correct order. Food was very nice. We asked for the bill. When came to take the money, we paid by card, there was no apology just took the payment and then just walked away with no thank you. Very rude. Won't be returning
We travel from Southend to visit this fantastic Chinese Restaurant and have enjoyed our three family visits in the last two months. The food, service and ambiance is first class with large portions and a very varied menu, Service is attentive and Jen and her team provide excellent hospitality. The crispy duck alone is worth a visit and highly recommended and without doubt my favourite Chinese Restaurant
We booked for a family visit on Saturday night. They wanted us to pay a deposit when booking, which we wouldn't Great choices and big portions. We ended up ordering more food than we needed, so took leftovers home. The restaurant was full.
Ashame to say my wife and I have only just started using theses. Food is great but we ordered a takeaway half of duck which when delivered was aquter I phoned them only to told cancel it then by a very rude young lady who I think was the manager ..also still owed £11.50. Or a duck. Disappointed b... back to Mr chans for us